HLA-E polymorphisms in an Afro-descendant Southern Brazilian population.

HLA-E is a non-classical I (Ib) gene which has limited polymorphism and low levels of tissue expression. Currently, 11 alleles are described in the literature with only three protein products. In the present study we investigated HLA-E gene variations at exons 2 and 3 and calculated allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies in a sample of 152 individuals who reported themselves as being Afro-descendants and who are voluntary bone marrow donors living in the state of Paraná, Brazil.